NeighborCircles

A NeighborCircle is a good conversation with neighbors over dinner.  This idea is simple, but in our busy and often fragmented communities, many of us never have this opportunity.   NeighborCircles give residents a chance to get to know their neighbors and to work collectively to solve community problems.  As of fall 2009, neighbors in Shurtleff Bellingham have held over 10 NeighborCircles, connecting over 100 residents with other members of their neighborhood.  Through the NeighborCircles program, residents in partnership with Community Engagement Staff have taken concrete, collective action to improve their neighborhoods.

A NeighborCircle is a series of three facilitated dinners of 8-10 neighbors at the home of a host.  Participants share food and conversation about what is happening on their street, and a resident with NeighborCircles training facilitates the conversations.  Community Engagement staff provide technical assistance for whatever action the group wants to take, connecting the neighbors to resources and city officials so that they can meet their goals. 

A NeighborCircle is successful if two neighbors meet for the first time or get to know each other better.  If a group decides that they want to take on a neighborhood improvement project, CND staff accompanies them in that work, giving financial and technical support.  NeighborCircles have empowered Chelsea residents to build community through events like block parties, to improve their neighborhood through beautification projects and crime watch groups, and to address problems like trash, graffiti, and parking.

If you are interested in attending or hosting NeighborCircles on your street, please call Cat Dodson Goodrich, 617.889.1375, x15, or write to her at cdodson@chelseand.org.  We are also always recruiting new facilitators -- attend a training or ask for more information today!

 

Damaris Meza and Kayla Belez from the Cottage Street Neighborhood Circle show their paths to Chelsea.